Bolton’s bid to host a Ryder Cup is BACK ON after a Public Inquiry rules in developers’ favour

Bolton’s bid to host a Ryder Cup is back on.

As Sportsmail revealed last year, developers Peel L&P launched an ambitious, £250million project to host golf’s biggest event in the north-west town in either 2031 or 2035.

They believe the vast project would provide £1.6billion to the economy, provide 1,000 new jobs over 20 years and want to make it the most-watched Ryder Cup ever – with an anticipated 70-80,000 spectators each day.

The plans were given a huge boost when Bolton was shortlisted for 2031 along with the London Club in Kent as preferred English bids, with England viewed by many as a favourite to host the Europe v America clash.

However, the local council refused planning permission in May following a backlash from locals concerned about the impact the proposals, at historic Hulton Park, would have on the environment.

Undeterred planners took their fight to a public inquiry which has on Tuesday ruled in their favour – stating that the proposals should not have been turned down in the first place.

Bolton’s ambitious bid to host Ryder Cup is back on with CGI rendering showing how the course would look if the north-west town won the right to stage the tournament

United States won the 43rd Ryder Cup in 2021 at Whistling Straits in Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Now golf’s biggest event could be headed to Bolton in either 2031 or 2035

It means planning permission for the vast scheme – which includes a golf academy, hotel, homes, allotments and a village hall, has now been given the green light, although the whole project depends upon Bolton winning the rights to host the tournament in either 2031 or 2035.

Richard Knight, Director of Planning and Strategy at Peel L&P, hailed the decision.

‘We put forward a robust and compelling case at the Public Inquiry and are pleased that the Inspector has recognised the long-term benefits a revitalised Hulton Park will bring to the economy of Bolton and the North West,’ he said.

The vast scheme includes a golf academy, hotel, homes, allotments and a village hall

The £250million plan is to convert the historic Hulton Hall in Bolton into a golf course

‘This demonstrates that our plans in the best interests of Bolton and local people and now is the time for Bolton to get behind the bid and support the development coming to the town to help secure a prosperous and exciting future for Bolton. 

‘We will continue to promote the unique offer Bolton and Hulton Park provides and looks forward to the continued support it has had to date.

‘We know that many people are genuinely excited about the prospects of one of the world’s greatest sporting events coming to Bolton, bringing many jobs, opportunities and international profile to the town.’

Construction would take three to four years and could house 70-80,000 fans each day